6 Brilliant Meal Plans That Let You Cook Once and Eat All Week

Map out dinner with these easy meal planning recipes. How? Start with a big batch of a basic ingredient. Think: roast chicken, pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes or meatballs. Serve a portion for dinner, then tuck the rest into a make-ahead recipe.

“This recipe is so quick and easy, and I always receive a ton of compliments. It quickly becomes a favorite of friends whenever I share the recipe. Modify the spiciness with the intensity of the salsa and the green chilis to suit your taste.” -Kristi Black, Harrison Township, Michigan

“Facebook fans of my blog, Chef in Training, inspired me to make this creamy pasta casserole out of ingredients I had on hand. Success! I took the dish for another flavorful spin and added a bit of smoky bacon and toasted bread crumbs.” -Nikki Barton, Providence, Utah

“Here’s a different take on traditional stuffed peppers. I substituted chicken for the beef and used Cubanelle peppers in place of the green peppers that are usually featured in such a dish.” -Ron Burlingame of Canton, Ohio

“Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this autumn favorite makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. These potpies are perfect for company or a potluck.” -Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California

“If you’re looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic fish stew is just the ticket. It’s brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and is fancy enough to be an elegant meal.” -Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire

“During chilly months, I fix this jambalaya at least once a month. It’s so easy?just chop the vegetables, dump everything in the slow cooker and forget it! Even my sons, who are picky about spicy things, like this dish.”-Cindi Coss, Coppell, Texas

“For a cool salad on a hot summer day, I combine shrimp, corn, tomatoes and nectarines with a drizzle of tarragon dressing. We love it chilled, but it’s great warm, too.” -Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York

These creamy spuds are a weeknight dinner workhorse. The cozy side just keeps giving and giving! Serve it as a side tonight, then use the leftovers as a crown for your shepherd’s pie. Click for more creative ways to use up those extra taters.

“When I had hungry children in the kitchen and nothing but leftovers, I invented Pierogi Quesadillas. Now it’s how we always use up our potatoes, meats and sometimes veggies.” -Andrea Dibble, Solon, IA

“Instead of throwing out leftover mashed potatoes, use them to make croquettes. The little baked balls are yummy with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or Dijon mayonnaise for dipping.” -Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia

“I love this recipe because it is great to use up leftover mashed potatoes and vegetables, especially the day after a big meal. You can substitute sweet Italian sausage for the bacon if you want a heartier quiche.” -Heather King, Frostburg, Maryland

“I always keep meatballs and pizza crusts in the freezer to make this specialty at the spur of the moment. Add a tossed salad, and you have a delicious dinner.” -Mary Humeniuk-Smith, Perry Hall, Maryland

“I use my slow cooker so much-unless my husband decides to grill for me-and these mouthwatering meatballs are just one reason why. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser when I serve them as party appetizers?or a yummy, filling sandwich spooned over crusty rolls and topped with cheese.” -Peggy Rios, Mechanicsville, Virginia

“Frozen meatballs and a jar of sweet-and-sour sauce make this microwave meal a last-minute lifesaver when racing against the clock. The flavorful sauce is dressed up with a hint of garlic and nicely coats the colorful mixture of meatballs, carrots, green pepper and onion.” -Ivy Eresmas, Dade City, Florida

”I put this recipe together one day when we had unexpected guests. It was an immediate hit and is now a family favorite. Get the kids involved when putting together this simple, savory dish.” -Dolores Betchner, Cudahy, Wisconsin

“How do you make a dinner of turkey and vegetables really appealing to kids? You turn it into a pie, of course! My version tastes classic, but won’t take any time at all.” -Daniela Essman, Perham, Minnesota

“This recipe is definitely a must-try, and all you do is bundle up creamy turkey filling in crescent dough. I usually double the recipe so I have extra for lunch the next day.” -Lydia Garrod, Tacoma, Washington

“Your clan will love these wonderful, stick-to-the-ribs potpies featuring a unique flavor twist. I always use the leftovers from our big holiday turkey to prepare this recipe. I think my family enjoys the potpies more than the original feast!” -Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan

“While living away from Texas for awhile, my boyfriend and I grew homesick for the spicy flavors of home. We’ve made this recipe a few times now, and it goes really well with homemade flour tortillas. We love it over rice, too.” -Kelly Evans, Denton, Texas

“Pork slowly stews with jalapenos, onion, green enchilada sauce and spices in this flavor-packed Mexican dish. It’s great on its own or stuffed in a warm tortilla with sour cream, grated cheese or olives on the side.” -Kimberly Burke, Chico, California